Report: Dustin Pedroia playing through thumb injury

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has been playing this season with a torn ligament in his thumb, the Boston Herald reported.

Pedroia said he was diagnosed with a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. It is not certain when the injury occurred, although he did jam his thumb on a dive to first base on opening day.

“People shouldn’t know if you’re 100 percent or not. It is what it is, and it’s my responsibility to perform well,’’ Pedroia told the Herald. “My mindset is if I’m nicked up, I have to find other ways to perform. That’s the way I think about it. Maybe I’m crazy.’’

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According to the Herald, doctors told Pedroia playing through the injury would not put him at risk for long-term damage.

Pedroia is hitting .332 with a .422 OBP and .866 OPS. He has not made an error in 225 chances and has 86 putouts and 139 assists.

“It’s a player’s decision to shut it down or play,’’ Pedroia told the Herald. “Players play.’’